I have a little garden ritual in January to April. Whenever I walk out of the front door, I look round for the first ones. First snowdrop, first iris, first crocus, first daffodil. Sometimes I get a welcome surprise- an early anenome, or a perky camellia, for example.
Iris are a particular favourite: the stylised geometric shapes, the bright colouring and bold contrast all make me a happy man!
It’s my ritual of hope in the dark cold months as life develops into the freshness of Spring. A bit like faith which holds onto the promises of hope even when evidence is a bit lacking- for example:
Hebrews 11:1 ~ Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
If we limit ourselves only to the things we can touch and see, the weight of the current situation becomes overbearing. When we allow ourselves to accept the “now” BUT hold in mind the “new” that will come, the gloom shifts and hope has a series of pegs to hang on.
So like the first iris, or the spreading daffs, we can find our faith confirmed by answers to prayer, or changed circumstances, or simply the knowledge that God IS faithful. Winter is followed by Spring- every year. Snow and rain give way to milder air and bluer skies. Struggles and our wrestling with doubts or worries is lessened by a renewed focus on the Source of Life, the Giver of Hope.
I just wondered if anyone else might like to adopt my little ritual. It’s easy to do, it’s fun, and it works.
The Reflectionary 